Stress Test Cost

• There are typically two main costs associated with a stress test -- the cost of the test itself and the cost of analyzing the results.
• Patients with medical insurance covering a portion of the cost of the stress test procedure can expect to pay $200 -$400 total out of pocket, depending on a patient's copay responsibility. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Massachusetts based health care provider, charges its members $270 -$379 for the test itself and an additional $24 -$39 for an interpretation of the test.
• Uninsured patients will likely pay $1,000 -$5,000 for stress test and the analysis. A cardiovascular stress test costs about $3,800 on average nationally, according to NewChoiceHealth.com, but can get as high as $10,900. Prices range based on geographical location, with urban, metropolitan areas charging higher prices than rural areas.

• The most frequently used stress test in done on a treadmill. During a treadmill stress test, a patient will have electrodes placed on their chest. A preliminary EKG will be performed to determine electrical activity while the heart is at rest. The technician performing the test also is likely to take a patient's pulse. Then the patient will begin exercising, usually on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Gradually the degree of difficulty will increase, forcing the heart to work harder. Generally, a patient will exercise until he or she feels exhausted. The technician will ask how the patient is feeling at regular intervals. After the test, the patient will likely continue to pedal or walk during a cool down period until their heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.
• Patients that are physiologically prevented from exercising can have a drug-induced stress test performed. Typically a drug is given to the patient to make the heart believe it is exercising.
• Some patients receive a nuclear stress test which involves injecting the patient with radioactive material to help create a better image of how the heart functions. A camera is used to view the patient's heart before and after exercise.
• WebMD provides information on various types of stress tests and what a patient can expect before, during and after the test.
• HeartSite.com, a website run by a Georgia-based cardiologist, explains what is involved in an isotope, or nuclear, stress test, which involves having a nuclear isotope injected into a patient to help locate problem areas.

• Patients who have a drug-induced stress test might also be responsible for the cost of the medications, typically Dobutamine or Adenosine. Typically, patients are charges $50 -$60 for radioactive materials.

• Health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the stress test. Typically, insurance carriers cover 80%-100% of the costs. Contact an insurance provider for coverage specifics.
• Some physicians and hospitals offer discounts of up to 35% to patients who do not have health insurance. Washington Hospital Healthcare System, located in California, offers a 35% discount for uninsured patients. The hospital also has a financial assistance program for qualifying uninsured patients.

• The American Heart Association has tips for reducing stress and living healthy.
• The Heart Rhythm Society provides a searchable directory of cardiology professionals.
• The American College of Cardiology offers an online locator of cardiology specialists.
• Smart Heart Living, an informational website, offers tips on shopping for a cardiologist.

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